University of Illinois President Timothy Killeen says university personnel will begin the new academic year at their present salaries, because the uncertainty about the U of I's state appropriation makes is difficult to plan ahead.

Gov. Bruce Rauner's administration is contacting retired state employees about possible returning to work on short-term contracts, in case of a state employees strike, according to the State Journal-Register.

Gas prices across Illinois continue to fall. The cost of a gallon in Champaign is more than a dollar cheaper than a year ago. In the past week the price at the pump dropped another 13 cents in Champaign.